Feeding and serving mechanism



Dec. 8, 1942.

C H. BRINTON FEEDING AND SERVING MECHANISM Filed July 19, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet l Dec. 8, L942. v c H. BRINTON FEEDING AND SERVING MECHANISM Filed July 19, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. CHRISTIAN H. BRINTON.

ATT NEY Dec. 8, 1942. c H. BRINTON FEEDING AND SERVING MECHANISM Filed July 19, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

CHRISTIAN H. BRINTON.

Dec. 8- 1942; c H. VBRINTON I 2 30 FEEDING AND SERVING MECHANISM Dec. 8, 1942,, U ,7

Q Q HNB INTON I 2,304,146 .7

FEEDING AND SERVING MECHANISM Filed July 19, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENI'OR. CHRISTIAN H. BRINTON ITTTO NEY Dec. 8, 1 942. c; H. BRINTON FEEDING AND SERVING MECHANISM Filed July 19, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 l lllvll INVENTOR.

CHRISTIAN H. BRINTON.

' 1942 c H. BRINTON 2,304,346

FEEDING AND SERVING MECHANISM Filed July 19, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Dec. 8, l942. c H. BRINTON FEEDING AND SERVING MECHANISM Filed July "19. 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR.

CHRISTIAN H. BRINTON.

Patented Dec. 8, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT: I OFFICE .,,,.,,,NG N21253:; mm,

Christian 11. Brinton, Oak Park, 111., assignor a Standard Cap and Seal Corporation, Chicago 111., a corporation of Virginia Application July 1'9, 1940, Serial No. 346,391

20 Claims. (01.226481) This invention relates to mechanisms for feeding and delivering objects, and particularly to, a mechanism having an improved means for rapidly and efficiently' transporting objects or closures to a'point where the same are applied to containers, such as mouths of bottles.

The invention includes as one of its principal objects improved means for simultaneously removing with certainty and rapidly transferring to a serving device having a single point of application a plurality of objects or closures for-containers from a plurality of independent objects or closures retaining means.

The invention comprehends as one of its objects the coordination of a simultaneously actuated multiple feeding device with a plurality of independent objects retaining means so as to simplify the loading of the retaining means decreasing the labor and time consumed in such operation.

The invention contemplates as one of its objec a novel arrangement of a transferring means for concurrently withdrawing from a means retaining independent supplies of articles such as caps or closures a plurality of said articles in association with means for securing that said plurality of articles will be guided in proper alternate-sequence toa single serving outlet for application to bottles or other containers.

The invention embraces as one of its objects a mechanism including a new form of multiple feed which is not only simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture but which also in-' or objects from a multiple source of sup ly to a common serving device.

The invention also contemplates as one of its 1 from said delivery chute.

I The invention further contemplates as one of its objects improved commonly actuated feeding A means that are rendered ineffective by the presease "of a predetermined number of closures or caps in the serving device and which will become effective upon the disposition of one or more closures from the serving device.

. sures a steady and continuous delivery of closures provision of a machine of this character which 1 is adapted and readily adjustable for'use'in feed-V ingand applying closures to various types and sizes of bottles.

Further objects and advantages are within scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the rebe preferred, in which:

Figure I is a perspective view of a form of ma-.

chine or apparatus of the invention, shown for adoption in use with,for example, a bottle sealing' machine, which latter machine is shown in outline;

Figure II is a side view of the closure or cap applying mechanism shown in Figure I; L I Figure 111 is a front view of the mec shown in Figure I; I

. Figure IV is a rear'perspectiveview of the capping mechanism, the guard being removed to show the multiple feeding mechanism;

Figure V is a side elevational view of the dual feeding mechanism shown in Figure IV with portions of the serving chute broken away for purpose of illustration;

Figure VI is an enlarged detail view of the feeding'mechanism shown in Figure IV, with portions in section for purpose of illustration;

Figure VII is a side viewof the dual feeding mechanism of my invention in cap engaging position, a portion illustrated in section and a portion of the delivery chute broken away.

Figure VIII is aside view similar to Figure-VII showing the feeding mechanism in its retracted position with portions illustrated in section and a portion of the delivery chute broken away;

A further object of the invention r sides in the 55 Figure IX is a fragmentary detail sectional view of the vacuum connecting mechanism in its ineffective position to the feeding mechanism,

The principles and features of the present invention are shown in the drawings as embodied in a mechanism particularly adapted for use in feeding and serving or applying skirted caps or closures which may be of paper, fiber or other suitable material to milk bottles or other contalners, but it is to be understood that the mechanism may bevaried widely still retaining the principles and features herein indicated, the invention being susceptible of use with anymech-- anism where it is desired to selectively or periwhich may member 22. I post 22 is provided with a-groove 22 into which odically feed and deliver objects. and that the embodiment herein shown and described, is illus. trative only of one use to which this invention may be utilized.

Referring to the drawings in detail, particularly to Figures I and II, the device of my invention A- is shown in association with a milk bottle conveying mechanism B and a closure sealing machine D shown in dotted lines. The deadbeat-the invention ispreferably constructed as a portable and adjustable unitary structure a multiple closure retaining means or magazines l and H, a closure feeding or with-v mechanism located within cover or 'guard- "and a closure serving device II. The

lattes-adapted to apply the closures to the milk bottles I! moved by the conveyer B.

. which is 'fixedly secured to the upper surface Carried on a pedestal or frame member 2| semm are the magazines for retaining the independent supplies of closures 24, the feedrnechanism, the serving chute and associated instrumentalities. of the, invention. The post- .22 which is preferably of hollow cylindrical configuration closed at its upper end is adapted .to slide in the tubular supportingpillar or base The lower cylindrical section 24 of projects a member 25 carried bypillar 22 which checks the rotation of member 22 but permits its vertical movement. The post 22 is locked in place by locking "means 21.

. cured to the top to a vertically movable stand 7 ard or post 22 as an adjustable unitary strucits intermediate portion with ahook-like mem- The means for adjusting the struc ture of the invention (as particularly shown in Fig. IV) comprises a screw shaft 20 iournalled adjacent to its upper extremity on the closed be seen that they are similar in vconstruction each comprising a channel shaped member or retaining chute 4| having their web section of V-shaped formation at their side walls substantially parallel. The lower extremity of each of the channel members 42 is surrounded by irregular shaped sleeve-like members 4! the 'base of of the arms 46 and 41." The sleeves 4! are pro vided with an outwardly projecting flange" .upon which are fixed in' spaced relation a plurality of resilient fingers I2 and 52, by means of clamps I4 held in place by screws I5. The fingets 52 and 52 project inwardly through suit able slots 56 formed on the channel shaped members 44 and are preferablyof difierent lengths their ends flaring inwardly and having serrated extremities adapted to. engage the caps or closures in each of the channel members 42. Each of the resilient fingers 52 and 52 is provided at ber or'finger stop 52 adapted to project outwardly through the slots 56 and the registering slots 51 provided on sleeves 49.

Thetension or inherent fiexure in the fingers v I2 and 82 serves to urge them to their innermost position toward the axis of movement of the caps 22, the inward movement of the fingers being limited by means of an adjustable camming 11ng-llke-member 62 carried on the outer surface of the sleeves 4! which is in engagement with the finger stops 5! To adjust the innermost movement of the fingers l2 and II it is on] necessary to rotate the camming member 22 to urge the fingers outwardlythrough the medium of hook-like members 52 in contact therewith end 29 of the member 22 andhaving its intermediate section in threaded engagement with a threadedwbushing 22 supported by inwardly prowahalliorminga'partofthei ppo ting pillar 22.

The shaft 24 is'provided with aj ed collar 34 which supportsan antifriction bearing 84, the latter adapted to contact with the inner surface of the end 22 of the tubuin member 22 to' absorb the thrust setup by the weight of the structures carried by the pedestal 2|. Fixedto the upper end of the shaft 22. is a bevelgear 22 meshing with agea'r 21,

the latter fixed upon one end of a stub shaft is journalled for rotation in hub portions 22 forming integral parts of the frame 2|, the outer extremity of the stub shaft 22 being squared or otherwise formed to receive an operating crank.

In the embodiment illustrated rotation of the stub shaft 22 and corresponding rotation of shaft 30 through'the gears 36 and 21 will elevate or lower the pedestal 2| and the unitary structure carried thereby with respect to the conveyer mechanism 13, this adjustment being particularly advantageous in rendering the mechanisms carried by the frame or pedestal 2| adaptable for. use in capping bottles or containers of. various heights.

The arm or ledge preferably forming an'in tegral part of fram 2| fixedly supports a brack et-4| of triangular configuration carrying on its inclined surface 42 the base member or casting 44 of Y-formation and of channel shaped cross section forming a component element of the cap delivery chute I. On the upper surface of each of arms 42 and 41 of member 44 rest the cap retaining means II and H in inclined relation The magazines Ill and II are particularly illusa so as to change their relative position within the members 48. The diiference" in lengths of fingers l2 and 52 serves a very important function in the proper withdrawing of caps from the supplies as the cap nextto be delivered is in -engagement with the longest finger 62, while finger l2 will engage the next succeeding cap to prevent the withdrawal of more magazines. r

The caps designated 20 are positioned in nested formation 3. particularly illustrated in Figures I and IV, the uppermost cap being engaged by a weight ,4 preferably of cylindrical configuration having a guiding member 6| engaging the edges of the channel 4. to prevent rotation of the caps than one cap from the 22, but serving to force the caps downwardly into engagement with the cap withdrawing or feeding mechanism.

p I have provided novel and eifective mechanism for periodically and simultaneously withdrawing caps from the magazines Ill and iii be concurrently deposited on the inclined serving chute |i.- The withdrawing mechanism is particularly shown in Figures V to VII on the drawings, and comprises a rectangular shaped hollow housing 6! supported on the inclined surface 42 of bracket 4| and which is adapted to receive for movement therein a reciprocable member of slide bar 84. The slide bar 84 carries on its upper surface a member 41 having a pair of interconnected spaced hollow plungers es and 10 which project through the upper wall of the housing 65. The plunger-s II and it are in axial alignment with the magazines II and H carrying at their supporting ends suitable fittings for removably conically or cup shaped hollow flexible members II and 12 adapted to engage the caps 24, prefertratMinFiguresIteIVandVIwhereinitcanu ablyiormed of rubber or other suitable distortable materlaL. Each of the cup-shaped members through the hollow plungers is in communication with the bore 69 of member 81, the latter being connected to the central axial passage or bore 83 provided in the reciprocable slide bar 65 which is closed at its upper end by a plugmember and which terminates at its other end in a transverse opening I2 formed on the lower surface of the slide bar 66. ,The opening I2 is adapted for periodic registration with an opening 14 formed on the plate or sealing strip I5, the latter urged into engagement with the slide bar.66 by means of springs 11 and I8 and being locked against lateral displacement by pin I8. Secured to plate I5 in registration with opening 14 is. a conduit 89 which projects through registered openings '82 and 83 formed on the housing 65 and the inclined wall 43 of bracket 4I. The lower end of the conduit 89 is in-threaded engagement with a suitable flexible tube 84 having its other end '85 connected to a control connecting valve 86 which in turn is connected by means of con-. duit 81 to the inlet port 88 of a vacuum pump 99.

The slide bar 68 is provided adjacent to its lower extremity with a transversely extending shaft 89 pinned or otherwise secured as at 88' which projects through an elongated opening 92 formed on the side wall of the housing 65. Adjacent to the enlarged extremity 93 of shaft 89 is journalled the lower end 94 of the pitman or connecting link 95 carrying a bearing 96 preferably of suitable anti-friction material and having contact with a spacing washer 91 which engages the side walls of the housing 65 adjacent to the elongated opening 92. The upper end 98 of pitman 95 carries a suitable bushing or hearing 99 journalled upon a crank pin I99 fixedly carried on an excentrically located boss I9I of the rotatable cam member I92 by means of a pin I93.

The cam I92 is fixedly secured toat one end of the shaft I95 by means of the sleeve I91 forming an integral part of the cam member by means of a key I98. The shaft I95 forms part of a suitable gear reduction mechanism I99 directly connected at one end of the shaft of the electric motor IIII constituting the common source of power for the vacuum pump '89 and the reciprocating member or slide bar 68 and cap withdrawing means carried thereby.

Referring to Figure V it can be seen that the peripheral surface III of the timing cam I92 ooacts with the cam engaging roller H4 carried at one end of the arm II6 fixed at its other end All to the transversely extending shaft I I8, the latter Joumalled on bearings provided on the uprights H9 and I29 carried by the casting 44 of the receiving chute I5.- The cam roller H4 is 'urged in contact with the cam surface III by means of a retractile spring I22 connected to the arm II8. The shaft II8 fixedly carries adjacent to the upright I29 the'end m or arm 125' the other end of which is formed with an elongated opening I21 adapted to accommodate the valve stem I28 of the communicating valve mechanism 86 which operates to control the vacuum connection between the inlet port 88 of the vacuum pump 99 and the conduit 89 to the flexible cap engaging members 1| and I3.

I have provided means to causethe lowermost cap of each or the magazines I9 and II to simultaneously adhere to the flexible cup members II and I3 when the same are in the uppermost position, that is the position shown in Figure VII so that when a downward movement is imparted under the cap applying outlet.

to the cup members by the crank arm 95, the caps will be carried past the fingers 52 and simultaneously deposited on each of the arms 48 and 41 of the serving chute I5. To this end the suction side 88 of the pump 99 or other means to produce a normally reduced pressure are communicated to the flexible members II and I3 when the same take the uppermost position. This communication is established due to the registration of the opening I4 of sealing strip 15, which through the vacuum control mechanism is normally connected to the suction side of pump 99, with the transverse opening 12 of slide bar 66 connected to the flexible members II and I3 producing a partial vacuum or normally reduced pressure between the cup members II and I3 and the surface of the caps engaged thereby causing the capsto forcibly adhere to the flexible members so that when the latter are moved downwardly the caps will be carried past the fingers 52 to a position where the lowermost portion of the caps will engage the upper surfaces I39, I3I of each of arms 46 and 41. The arrangement of the parts is such that when the caps are in engagement with the surface I39 or I3I of the arms 45 and 41 the opening I2 of the slide bar 66 is in registration or communicates with a vent opening I34 provided in the wall of the sealing strip I5 to the atmosphere through the passage I35 on the lower wall of the housing 65 so that the partial vacuum or reduced pressure in the members II and I3 is simultaneously raised to. at-

mospheric, the equalization of pressure and the inclination of the arms 46 and 41 will produce an automatic release or disengagement of the caps from the flexible members II and I9 depositing is such that of the simultaneously deposited caps,

the one deposited on the arm 46 moves at a high-. 'er speed than that deposited on the arm 41 so that the caps are guided and move in proper alternate sequence to'the single outlet conduit I49 and hence to the point of application or serving outlet I42 for application to the mouths of the bottles or containers I6. p

The means to effect the proper application oi. a cap from the single serving outlet I42 to the mouth of the bottle I6 is particularly shown in Figure 111 in which it can .be seen that the lower extremity of serving outlet I42 is enlarged and the. side walls pivotally carry as at I45 and I46 the wing like members I" and I49 each having curved portions I5I which are adapted to engage a neck portion of the bottle I6 as the same passes The wing like members'or curved fingers I41 and I49 are preferably held in their innermost position by means of a coil spring I52, the ends of which are suitably secured to posts I54 and I55 carried by each of the wing like members. The spring I52 serves to urge the wing like members into contact with the skirt of the bottle caps but permits a release when the same are engaged by the moving bot- Each of the wing like members are proftles.

ed to support an adjustable transverse plate I6I upon which suitably pivoted as at I62 is a vertically movable or levelling finger I64 having its forward extremity I65 substantially horizontal and projecting beyond the end of the fingers I41 and I49. The motion of the levelling finger I64 is limited in its downward movement by a stop plate I64 which is also pivoted as at I62, said plate I64 having a vertical portion I64" which governs the downward movement of said plate I64 by having said vertical portion come in-contact with member I66 of hook like configuration adapted to engage the upper portion of said vertical member I64".

I have provided means whereby the simultaneous withdrawing of the caps from the magazines I and II and the simultaneous delivery to the serving chute arms 46 and 41 will be interrupted when there is a predetermined number of caps in the serving outlet conduit I42, 8. condition which may arise by reason of the fact that the number of bottles I6 traveling in the conveyor B are insufficient in number to withdraw the caps fed into the serving outlet I42 as rapidly as the feeding mechanism normally transfers the caps tothe arms 46 and 41. To this end the application of a partial vacuum-or a normally reduced pressure to the flexible cups H and 13 is interrupted or rendered inoperative through the medium of a cap contacting pad I10'adjustably supported upon the end of the arm I12 having its end I13 fixedly secured to the shaft H8. The pad I10 is adapted to project through a suitable phere when the valve head I88 is in its retracted position as shown in Figure IX, but which is shut off when the valve head I88 is in engagement' with the valve seat I 90 under the influence of opening I 15 formed on the cover I16 which closes the channel shaped conduit or serving outlet I42. As hereinbefore pointed out; the shaft II8 carries the valve operating arm I 25 which is connected to the valve stem I28 of the valve mechanism 86 which establishes a connection between the suction side of the pump 90 through the flexible conduit 84 to the flexible members H and 18 when the same are in their uppermost position.

As illustrated in Figure VIII when the conduit I42 is filled with caps 20 so as to cause the pad I10 to engage the upper'surface of one of the caps retained therein, the valve controlling lever I25 through the adjustable stop or threaded nut will operate the valve stem I28 to its open position so as to render the connection between the vacuum pump and the flexible fingers H and 13 ineffective. I

The valve mechanism 86 which controls the connection for the application of a partial vacuum or a normally reduced pressure compared with atmospheric pressure to the flexible cups H and 13, when the same are in their uppermost position contacting with the cap next to be delivered from the magazines to forcibly carry them past the fingers 52 when the plungers and cups are moved downwardly is shown in Figure IX. The valve mechanism 86 includes a cup shaped member I80 and a tapering hollow member I8I having threaded engagement with member I80 as at I83 thus forming a housing for a poppet valve. The cup shaped member is supported by a suitable bracket I8'I to the stationary support 4I and forms an open ended chamber I86 to which are connected the end 85 of the flexible tube or conduit 84 and one end of the conduit 81 which has its other end connected to the suction side or port 88 of the vacuum pump 90 or suitable means for producing a normally reduced pressure. The,

open end of chamber I86 is closed by meansrof valve head I88 adapted to engage a valve seat tion of a hood cap to the mouth of bottles that spring I92. the chamber I86 by valve head I88 is neutralized when the stem I28 is moved outwardly through the adjustable stop or threaded abutment I96 by the valve operating arm I25 due to the movement imparted to the shaft II8 caused by the engagement of roller II4 with timing cam I 02, the en-" gagement of pad I10 of arm I12 fixed thereto with a cap in theserving conduit I42 causes the cam engaging roller to .be held out of engagement with the timing cam I02.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the means to produce a source of normally reduced pressure creating a partial vacuum as compared with atmospheric pressure for rendering by its application the cap withdrawing means effective is in the form of a constantly actuated suction pump 90 carried by the frame 2I which is rotated through a suitable gearing not shown, the latter connected to the shaft of the electric motor IIO which also operates the reciprocating carrier or slide bar 66 of the cap withdrawing mechanism. However, it is to be understood that any suitable pneumatic means operable to cause the hood caps 20 to forcibly adhere to the suction cups H and 13 is contemplated. 4

Means are provided to retain the mouth as well as the neck of the bottles sanitary and prevent germ contamination prior to the applicahave been filled and disc capped. These means are located in spacedrelation to the serving chute delivery outlet so that their operation is per-,

formed during the transfer of the bottles to the serving outlet by the conveying mechanismsand include, the spray nozzle or wash unit I95 which serves for spraying and washing the mouth and neck of the bottle in association with means to accelerate the drying operation by blowing heated air thereto through the use of a blower motor I91 provided with suitable heater coils having spaced outlets I98 and I99. The blower motor I91 and wash unit I95 are suitably supported a on the-lower surface of the arm 40 so that the same are moved concurrently with the magazines, feeder mechanism and cap serving chute when movement is imparted to the post 22.

I have provided a control or switchingmechanism 200 for closing. and opening the circuits of the motor IIII. I have provided a switch 205 for closing and opening the circuits of the blower motor I91 as well as the heater coils associated therewith.

While the operation of the mechanism will be clear from the foregoing description the same may be summarized as follows: The actuation of the switch mechanisms 200 and 2-05 by the operator to a. position to close the circuits will not only start the electric motor I I0 but also the blower motor I91 so that each of the bottles already fllled and disk capped which are moved by the conveying mechanism toward the serving The action of spring I92 to close I chute I5 is prior to the engagement of the mouth of the bottle with the cap stop gates or winglike 'members or fingers H1 and I49 successively v sprayed by the water nozzle I95 and dried by blowing air thereto through the blower motor carry the hood cap past the wing-like members I41 and I 49 causing the horizontal portion I65 01 the leveling finger I64 to press the upper flat portion of the hood cap over the bottle mouth I thus completing the cap applying operation. It'

is to be understood that the motor III! is constantly actuating the vacuum producing pump 30 and reciprocating the suction cups -'II and I3 through the carrier or slide bar 56 and'the pitman 95 eccentrically' connected to the timing cam I02 which is fotated through the gear re duction mechanism I09 directly connected to one end of the shaft of the electric motor III), so that when a hood cap is'withdrawn by a bottle passing beneath the serving outlet the hood caps in the serving conduit I 12 gradually slide downwardly. The downward movement oi the caps will allow the pad I|0 carried by arm I12 iixed to shaft III! to gradually move between the caps.

The movement of the pad I is caused by the nation or rigure'vr clearly indicates each of the openings on the base plate of the arms 45 and I! is of suitable dimension to allow the passage of the suction cups H and I3 but smaller'than the diameter of the skirt of the hood caps so that their lowermost edge is engaged by the surfaces I and I3I of the base plate of the serving chute I5 adjacent to the openings before the carrier 66 approaches substantially the end of its withdrawing stroke. The base plate of the receiving chute is so arranged that when engage- 'ment of the skirts of the hood caps take place with surfaces I30 and III the carrier opening 12 is in registration with the vent opening I provided on the'sealing strip I5 which isconnected to the atmosphere so that the partial vacuum or reduced pressure in the suction cups II and i3 simultaneously rises to atmospheric pressure by the admission of air thereto; 'The equalization of pressure and theensagement of the 10 ermost portion of the cap with the surfaces I30 and I3I of each of the arms and 41 will cause the Si: multaneous disengagement'of the hood caps from the suction cups and the simultaneous deposition or the hood caps in each'oi the arms 46 and". 5

As hereinbefore pointed out, arm 48 is in substantial axial alignment with the delivery con-- duit I42 while the arm 41 is. angularly displaced so that the'simultaneously deposited caps are guided to the serving conduit or outlet I42 in proper alternate sequence.

rotative action imparted to shaft IIB through the arm IIB fixed thereto produced by spring I22 so that when the'roller I I4 contacts with the cam dwell Hi the shaft II8 will move the valve timing arm I25 to allow the valve stem I28 to in turn move the valve head I88 under the action of spring Iii: to close chamber IBB thus connecting the suction side of pump 90 to the flexible conduit 84 connected to opening 14 of sealing strip It should be noted that space occupied by. cam

dwell IIS on the peripheral surface III 0! the cam I02 is such that when the opening 12 isout is moved outwardly imparting rotatable movement to shaft -I I8 thus moving thevalve control lever I25 to operate the valve stem J28 to a posi- I5 so as to establish a connection from the suction side of pump 90 to the carrier or slide barv 65.

tion wherein vacuum connecting'chamber I88 is open and the suction side 88 otthe pump 90 is connected through opening I "to the atmosphere so that there is no application oi' reduced pressure to the openingIL, v

The position of the dwell H5 of the timing cam I02 with respect to the location of the eccentrically located crank pin I00 carried'thereby is such that when the cam dwell is engaged by the cam riding element II 4, the slide bar or carrier 66 reciprocatedby the pitman 95 connected to-pin I0!) is in its uppermost position 'as particularly illustrated .in Figure VII, where it can be seen that there is a registration between slide bar opening I2 and the opening I4 of the sealin strip I5. The opening I l is connected through conduit and the valve mechanism to the source of reduced pressure so that when the suction cups II and I3 contact with the lower face of the hood cap next to be delivered held by the resilient fingers 52, a reduced pressure is applied to the hood cap by the communication set up by the valve mechanism between the source of normally reduced pressure 98 and the suction cups 7i and i8 which will cause the lowermost hood cap of each stack-to forcibly adhere to the suction cupsprodu'cing an extracting engagement. This extracting engagement will serve to carry the hood caps in the downward movement or withdrawing stroke of thecarrier 66 past the 'serrated portions of fingers 52 to a position where the lower edge of the skirt portion is in engagement with the wall sections I30 and NI respectively of each of the receiving arms 45 and 41 addacent to the openings onthe base of the re- The, ioregoing operation is accomplished during the normal cycle. However, when no withdrawal orithe caps takes place due to the fact that a bottle has not been'moved past-the serve ing chute It the caps in the conduit I42 will remain stationary and the pad I'll will contact under the combined action of cam urging roller spring-I22 and valve closing spring I92 with the upper surface or a hood cap and prevent the cam roller- I I4 from-engagingthe cam dwell II5 holding the valve member I28 in its open positionof registration withthe opening I4 the cam roller as shown in Figure IX through thevalv'e controlilngarm I25 so that no communication is established between-the opening I4; and the suction side pump 90 as the pumpwlllbe connected to the atmosphere through the opening I. Therefore, when the carrier or slide bar 88 reachesits upper position to cause the registration or opening 12 with opening I4 and cups II and I! to engage the lowermost hood cap there is no application of a reduced pressure and consequently no, extracting engagement between-the suction cups and the hood caps to overcome the action of the resilient fingers. In this manner the withdrawing means are rendered ineifective to transport simultaneously a hood cap iromeach oi the magazines I0 and II to the-serving chute arms 46 and '41.

As shown in Figure 1, means are provided to enclose the cap withdrawing and transporting ceiving chute through which thesuction cups are moved in their reciprocating movement. Examimechanism in the form or a cover I3 as well as suitable means to cause the lubrication or the parts and to collect excess oil and grease so as to insure the smooth running of the mechanism preventing the possibility of oil or other foreign matter to accidentally fall on the bottles or on the hood caps. In addition, it should b noted that due to the particular correlation and coordination of the number of magazines or can retaining means with the simultaneously actuated cap withdrawing elements I have materially simplified the loading of the retaining means 10 and II by the operator as the caps will be exhausted at the same time in each magazine so that the simultaneous loading of the magazines can be enacted by the operator.

It is apparent that, within the scope 01' the invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

What I claim is:

1. In combination, a common receiving chute having a single outlet, a plurality of magazines,

each adapted to retain a plurality of hood caps to be delivered to said receiving chute; a source of normally reduced pressure including a continuous suction means; a reciprocable member; means carried by said member adapted to be brought into simultaneous engagement with the next hood cap in each magazine to be delivered from saidmagazines; means associated with said member for connecting said source of normally reduced pressure simultaneously to said hood cap engaging means when the latter are in engagement with said hood caps to cause extracting engagement thereof; means to move said member away from said magazines while said hood cap engaging means are in extracting engagement .to withdraw the same from the magazines; means coacting with said hood cap engaging means for releasing said hood caps; means for delivering containers adjacent said chute; and means actuated by a container to release a hood cap from said chute.

2. In combination, a common chute, a plurality of magazines, each adapted to retain a plurality of hood caps to be delivered to said common chute; a source of normally reduced pressure including a continuous suction means; a reciprocable member; a plurality of flexible elements carried by said member adapted to be brought into simultaneous engagement with the next hood cap in each magazine to be delivered from said magazines; means associated with said member for connecting said source of normally reduced pressure simultaneously to said flexible elements when the latter are in engagement with said hood caps to cause extracting engagement thereof; means to move simultaneously the flex-' ible elements away from said magazines while in engagement with said hood caps to withdraw the same from the magazines; means 'for disconnecting said source of reduced pressure from said flexible elements for simultaneously releasing said hood caps; means for delivering containers adjacent said chute; and means actuated by a container to release a hood cap from said chute.

3. In combination, a common chute, a plurality of article retaining means, each adapted to retain a plurality oi' articles to be delivered to said common chute: a source of normall reduced pressure including a continuous suction means; a movable member; means carried by said member adapted to be brought into simultaneous engagement with the next article in each article retaining means to be delivered from said retaining means; means for connecting said source of normally reduced pressure simultaneously to said article engaging means when the latter are in engagement with said articles to cause extracting engagement thereof; means to move-said member away from said article retaining means while said article engaging means are in extracting engagement to withdraw simultaneously articles from said retaining means; means for rendering inefl'ective the connection between said reduced pressure source and said article engaging means for simultaneously releasing said articles; means for delivering containers adjacent said chute; means actuated by a container to release an article from said chute; and means controlled by the articles in said chute for rendering said article engaging means ineffective.

4. In combination, a common chute, a plurality of means for retaining articles to be delivered in spaced relation to said common chute; movable means positioned adjacent to said retaining means adapted to be brought into simultaneous engagement with the next article in each retaining means to be delivered from said retaining means; a source of normally reduced pressure, including a continuous suction means; means operable to establish a connection between said source and said movable means to effect the simultaneous removal of the plurality of articles engaged by said movable means; means to render said connection inefiective for releasing simultaneously said articles after their removal from said retaining means; and means in said chute for rendering said movable means ineifective.

5. In combination, means tor retaining independent supplies of articles to be delivered; a common serving chute having a single outlet for receiving said articles; article engaging means associated with said retaining means operable for simultaneously withdrawing one article from each of said independent supplies; mechanism operable to move away from said article retaining means towards said serving chute said article engaging means while the latter is in engagement with said articles; means operable to release simultaneously said articles on said serving chute; means controlled by the number of articles in said serving chute for rendering said movable article engaging means ineffective; means for delivering containers adjacent said chute; means for spraying and washing the mouth and neck of said containers; means to accelerate the drying of said washed parts of said containers; and means actuated by a container to release an article from said serving chute outlet.

6. In combination, means for retaining inde pendent supplies of articles to be delivered; a receiving device for said articles having dual receiving inlets and a single serving outlet; article engaging means adjacent to said supplies; a mechanism for moving said article engaging means into extracting engagement with the next article to be delivered from each of said independent supplies and transporting said articles simultaneously to said receiving device; means operable to release said articles from said engaging means when the latter reaches a position to deposit said articles on said receiving device and means controlled by the number of articles in said receiving device for rendering said article transporting means inefiective.

accuse I device for said articles having a single serving outlet; article engaging means adjacent to said retaining means; a mechanism for moving said article engaging means into extracting engagement with one article from each of said retaining means and transporting said articles simultaneously to said receiving device; means operable to release said articles simultaneously from said engaging means to deposit the same on said receiving device; and means associated with. said receiving device to guide said simultaneously deposited articles in alternate sequence to said serving outlet. l

8. In combination, means for retaining independent supplies of articles to be delivered; a receiving device for said articles having a single serving outlet; a mechanism for extracting the next article to be delivered from each of said in dependent supply and transporting said articles simultaneously to said receiving device; and means associated with said receiving device for guiding the simultaneously transported articles in alternate sequencekto said single serving outlet.

9. In combination, a plurality of article retaining means, each adapted to temporarily hold a plurality of articles to be delivered; a receiving device for said articles having a single serving out-let; article engaging means adjacent to said retaining means; means movable between'said retaining means and said receiving device; said movable means being operable in one position into extracting engagement with one article located in each of said retaining means for transporting-'saidiarticiessimultaneously from said. retaining means to said receiving device; said movable means operable in its other position to release said articles simultaneously to deposit the same on said receiving device; and means associated with said receiving device for guiding the simultaneously deposited articles in alternate sequence to said serving outlet.

10. In combination, means for retaining independent supplies of articles to be delivered; a receiving device for said articles having a dual inlet and a single serving outlet; article engaging means adjacent to said supplies; means for moving said article engaging means into contacting engagement with the next article to be delivered from each of said'lndepenednt supplies, pneumatic means eifective at the time of contact of said article engaging means with said article to cause an extrusion of air from said article engaging means for transporting said articles simultaneously to said receiving device when said article engaging means are moved away from said retaining means; a member having an opening to the atmosphere adapted to register with the article engaging means to admit air, and means operable to release said articles from said article engaging means when the latter reaches a position to deposit said articles on said receiving device.

11. In combination, a plurality of article reraining means, each adapted to temporarily hold a plurality of articles ti f-be delivered; a receiving device for said articles having a single serving outlet; article engaging means adjacent to said retaining means; means for moving said article engaging means into contacting engagement with one article located in each or said retaining means; means effective at the time of contact of said article engaging means with said articles to cause an extracting engagement of said means with said articles for transporting said articles simultaneously from said retaining means to said receiving device; and means operable to release said articles simultaneously from said engaging means to effect the deposit of said articles on said receiving device; and means to guide the dcposited articles on said receiving device in alternate sequence to said serving outlet.

12. In combination, a pair of magazines for retaining independent supplies of hood caps for bottles; a device adapted to receive the hood caps removed from said magazines provided with a sin gle discharge outlet; means adapted to contact simultaneously each of the lowermost hood caps of said magazines; pneumatic means effective at the time of contact of said engaging means with said hood caps to cause the extrusion of air from said engaging means; means for moving said engaging means and hood caps in engagement therewith from said magazines; means for releasing said hood caps from said hood cap en gaging means to simultaneously deposit said hood caps on said device; and means dependent upon the number of hood caps in said device for rendering the extrusion of air from hood cap engaging means ineffective.

.13. In an apparatus for feeding articles, in combination, a plurality of magazines each retaining a stack of articles to be delivered; a plurality of suction cups for withdrawing the next article to be delivered from each stack; a recip rocating carrier on which said cups are mounted; passages formed on said carrier having communication with said cups and adapted for registration with a conduit connected with a source of vacuum; a valve interposed between said conduit and said source; a cam riding element connected to said valve; a rotatable cam for mov-' ing said element on the latter part of the up stroke of the carrier to cause the valve to move into a position to set up communication between the source and said conduit; and a normally sta tionary member having an. opening to the atmosphere adapted to be in registration with said passages on the withdrawing stroke of the carrier to set up communication between the cups and atmosphere to effect the simultaneous release of the articles engaged by said cups when the carrier is substantially approaching the end of its withdrawing stroke.

14. In combination, means for retaining articles to be delivered; reciprocating carrier having a suction cup adapted to be brought into engagement with the next article to be deliv cred from said retaining means; a continuously actuated source of normally reduced pressure; a valve mechanism interposed between said source and said reciprocating carrier; a timing cam operating said valve mechanism for establishing a connection between said source and said reciprocating carrier when said suction cup is in engagement with said article to effect its removal by the application of reduced pressure to said suction cup and after the removal at said article from said retaining means for rendering said connection ineffective: and means for releasing the article engaged thereby.

15. In an apparatus for transporting articles, in combination, means for retaining a stack of hood caps to be delivered; a receiving device for said hood caps; a suction cup for u- .idrawing the next hood cap to be delivered from said stack; a reciprocating carrier on which said cup is mounted: a passage formed on' said carrier having communication with said cup and adapted to be connected with a source of vacuum to cause an extracting engagement with a hood cap for transporting the same to the .said receiving device; a valve interposed between said carrier and the source of vacuum; a cam riding element connected to said valve; a movable cam for moving said element on the latter part of the up stroke of the carriento cause the valve to move into a position to set up communication between the source and said carrier; an arm connected with said cam riding element operable by a predetermined number of hood caps in said receiving device for holding said valve through said element in a position where no communication is set up between the source and said carrier to eflect an extracting engagement of said cup with said hood caps.

16. In combination, a lurality of article.re-

, taining means, each adap ed to temporarily hold a plurality of articles to be delivered; a receiving device for said articles; a pair of passages connected to a single serving conduit; article engaging means; a mechanism formoving said the next article to be delivered from each stack to said passages; a reciprocating carrier on which said cups are mounted; a passage formed on said carrier having one end in communication with said cups; a conduit connected' with a source of vacuum; a valve interposed between said conduit and said source means to cause the valve to move into a position to set up communication between the source and said conduit on the latter part of the up stroke of said carrier; a memher having an opening to the atmosphere adapted to be in registration with one end of the passage formed on said carrier to set up commu- .nication between the cups and atmosphere to effect the simultaneous release of the articles on the spaced passages of said receiving device; and means responsive to a predetermined number of articles in said delivery chute for moving the valve to render the communication between article engaging means into extracting engagement with one article from each of said retain-- ing means for transporting said articles simultaneously to said receiving device; means operable torelease said articles from said engaging means to deposit the same simultaneously on said passages; one of said passages being-in substantial alignment with said serving conduit; and the other passage angularly displaced with respect to said serving conduit whereby the simultaneously deposited articles in said passagesare guided in alternate sequence to said serving conduit.

1'7. In combination, means for retaining inthe source and said conduit inefie'ctive.

19. In combination, a plurality of magazines for retaining in spaced relation stacks of hood caps; a reciprocable member located adjacent 'to said magazines; a plurality of flexible eledependent stacks of hood caps; a plurality of suction applying cups adapted to engage simultaneously with the lowermost hood cap in each stack to be delivered therefrom; a reciprocating carrier on whichsaid cups are mounted; means'for setting up communication between the cups and a source of vacuum on the withdrawing stroke of the carrier and between the cups and atmosphere after the cups have withdrawn a plurality of hood caps; and a plurality of conduits for'receiving in separate relation the withdrawn hood caps and for transferring the same to a common delivery passage, one 0! said conduits being shorter than the other and substantial axial alignment with said delivery passage for causing the hood caps received in said onduits to be transferred in alternate se mxence to said delivery passage.

l8 combination, a pair of magazines each mg a stack of articles'to be delivered; a device for said articles having a pair of s a" l passages connected to a single delivery chi.

a ,air suction. cups for withdrawing ments associated with said member; means to produce a source of normally reduced pressure, including a continuous suction means; means associated with said member for intermittently connecting saidsource of normally reduced pressure with said flexible elements for engaging simultaneously the lowermost hood cap from each of said magazines; means to move said member with respect to said magazines; means in the path of movement of said member cooperating to release each of said hood caps simultaneously from saidfiexible members upon disconnection of said normally reduced pressure; and a receiving device for said caps having a plurality of receiving inlets and a single serving outlet.

20. In a device of the character 'disclosed, in combination, a plurality of means for retaining -a supply of articles; a common receiving chute for retaining a plurality of articles and having a single discharge opening for said articles; a plurality of article engaging means whereby articles from said retaining means are simultaneously rem'oved from said retaining means and delivered simultaneously to said receiving chute;

a common source of power for driving said article engaging means; means controlled by the number of articles in said .chute for rendering said article engaging means ineffective; means .for delivering containers adjacent said chute; means for spraying andwashing the mouth and neck of said containers; means for drying said washed containers; and means actuated by a container to release an article from said chute outlet. 3

' CHRISTIAN H; BRINTON. 

